PPCC Wants Procurement Procedures Followed

On Friday, May 9, 2008 the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission in collaboration with the World Bank and the Ministry of Public Works, held a one day procurement training workshop for vendors and representatives of the private sector. 

At the start of the workshop, the Chairman of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), Keith K. Jubah warned that vendors who supply the Liberian Government outside the procurement process run the risk of not being paid by the Ministry of Finance when their vouchers are submitted for payment. He challenged the participants to take advantage of the training opportunity and enhance their understanding about the Liberian Government bidding process. Amidst notable high turn-out at the workshop, Chairman Jubah further challenged the participants to do their work in line with the PPC Act.

Chairman Jubahís statement was followed by three key mind-touching presentations on selected topics including: Objectives of the PPC reform, Contract management, Preparation and submission of bidding document, and Procedures for the review process. Three key personalities including World Bank Procurement Specialist Baba Imoro Abdullai, PPCC Executive Director Joseph S. Neufville, PPCC Director of Compliance and Monitoring Dr. Samuel K. Ngaima, Sr.; and Attorney Amos Y. Bartu, Director of Complaints and Appeals, served as facilitators.           

The facilitators addressed several key issues and topics germane to procurement and the reform process of Liberia. Some of the issues and topics discussed include: Objectives of the PPC Reform(objectives of the reform, scope and application of the law, challenges and way forward, watchdogs and whistle blowers), Preparation and Submission of Document(bidding procedures, supply requirement, and contracts), Contract Management(formation of contract, role of the Entity, role of the contractor, time and quality control measures, expediting performance, management of contract changes, risk management, resolution of claims and disputes, among others).          

Other issues and topics addressed during the workshop are Procedures for the review process (who to complain? guidelines to observe, where to file complaints? Who should respond to the complaints of the aggrieved bidders? Effect of the Complaints, Appeals and Review Panelís decision, Procuring Entitiesí unquestionable actions, etcÖ

At the close of the training workshop, Commissioner Jenkins G. W. Wongbe challenged the participants to make use of the PPC Act and read it as often as they can. He said Liberians need to change their mindset on issues by making use of the opportunity available to them. 

Two other PPCC Commissioners, Timothy E. Thomas and Charles E. Collins, Sr. attended the workshop and made meaningful contributions and remarks. Nearly all of the PPCC staff attended the Friday, May 9, 2008 Private Sector workshop.